bennetch



Sept. 6, 1932. c, BENNETCH 1,876,387

BOOK SUPPORT Filed March 27, 1929 INVENTOR H.C. BENNETCH A T TORNEYS Wd/$21M ffiito the reference book,

Patented Sept. 6, 1932 HARRY C. BENNETCH, 02E LOS- ANGELES, CALIFORNIABOOK surronr 7 his invention relates to a book supporting device, andhas foran object the provision of a book support particularly adapted tohold arelatively large reference book such as a dictionary or directory,in such a mannor that the book may optionally be opened or closed.

A further object is the provision of a book supporting device asdescribed, which is 159 adapted to be suspended from above, as forexample, from the ceiling.

A still further object is the provision of a booksupport which is notonly capable of operating. efficiently to permit ready access but whichis also comparts, which is and which is all its desired posed of few andinexpensive of very simple construction, fully capable of carrying outfunctions The invention possesses other objects and advantageousfeatures, 7 those enumerated, will be set'forth in the followingdescription of the inventions par-v ticular embodiment which isillustrated in 3Q the drawing accompanying and forming a part of thespecification.

Referring to the drawing: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the booksupporting device, with a book properly dis- 'posed therein, in closedposition.

Fig. 2; is an end view, with the book'disposed in open position. Fig. 8is an end view of the supporting device in open position, but with thebook removed. j

In terms of broad inclusion, the book sup portingdevice of the presentinvention, com-- prises. pair of cover-engaging plates spaced .toreceive a book therebetween, and joined at "their lower edges by apreferably flexible 111:8111bGZ,iI1'S11Cl1 amannerthat the plates arecapable of. hinging movement about thein lower edges, The device issupported by gmeans of suspending straps preferably flexible v whichare'secured to the plates adjacent.

their respective-hinge axes, permitting the plates to. hinge outwards tothat position in whichthe book is open, whilethe device and containedbook are supported by the straps some of which, with 1 a boardreinforced by cross 1 vided by leaving Application. filed March 27',1929. Serial No, 350,308.

Means are also provided for releasably holding the plates optionally inclosed book p0 sition, or open-book position.

Specificallydescribing the preferred embodiment of the invention, thebook supporting device comprises a pair of spaced plates 6,substantially corresponding in size to the covers porting device isdesigned to hold. These plates'G are joined at their lower edges by apreferably flexible member 9 which may conveniently be formed of a sheetof canvas or the like, attached to the lower edges 10 'of the plates 6.The sheet 9 is so proportioned that it substantially corresponds inwidth to the thickness of the book 8, i. e.,

to the width of the bound edge of the book,

with the result that when disposed vertically, the plates 6 are spacedto receive the book 8 therebetween. v

A projection 11 extends from each end of eachof the plates 6; andinasmuch as the plates 6 may each conveniently be formed of strips 12,the projections 11 may conveniently be proan integral tongue extendingbeyond each end of the board of'which each plate is made, at the timethat the board is cut. The parts are so proportioned and arranged thatthe lower or innermost edge 13 of each projection 11, is at, or slightlyspaced from the lower edge of the associated plate 6,

' i. e., the innermost edge 13 of each projection 11, is adjacent theaxis of hinging 'movement of the associated plate 6.

A'supporting strap 161s associated with each end of the book support.Each strap 16 is secured adjacent one end to the outer face of theprojections 11, passing around the innermost edge 13 thereof; and bothstraps 16 are supported by means of a rod or bail 17 which is attachedat each end to one of the straps '16, intermediate theends of thatstrap. lhe entire device, with the contained book 8, is adapted to besupported from above, by means of a cord 18 or its equivalent, attachedto the. bail 17 above the center of gravity of the: combined hook andholder.

Inasmuch as the straps 16 support the 7 o-fthe book8 which the book'supIn; I

book-holder by passing around the innermost edges 18 of the projections11 which are adjacent the axes of hinging movement of the plates 6, thismeans of support of the bookholder, permits the plates 6 to be moved inhinging movement about axes at, or adjacent their lower edges; with theresult that the book 8 may optionally be opened or closed while theentire device and book are suspended from above. However, by soproportioning the parts of the device that the innermost edges 13 of thetongues 1.1 are spaced slightly from the axes of hinging movement oftheir respective plates 6, the points of suspension of the plates by thestraps 16, are positioned slightly above the lower portion or back ofthe book 8. In this manner, each strap is caused to exert a forceagainst the plates in that direction which tends to swing them upwardsand toward each other, i. e., to book-closing position, owing to thefact that the book 8 presses downwards against the flexible member 9 andbetween the points 13 of suspension, thus urging the extreme lower edgesof the plates 16 downwards. Releasable means for holding the device ineither of its two extreme positions, are provided in the form of a rigidstrip 21 secured to preferably each strap 16, upon each side of itspoint of attachment to the bail 17. The up permost end 22 of each strip21, is attached to the associated strap by preferably a plurality ofrivets 23 or their equivalent; and overlies the associated portion ofthe strap 16, between the lowermost rivet 23 and the bail 17; with theresult that when the lower end 24 of the strip 21, is moved outwardsfrom the strap 16, the upper end 22 of the strip will produce adeflection 25 in the strap, as clearly shown upon Figs. 2 and 3. As aresult, the weight of the book 8 and the holder, tends to pull the lowerends 24 of all strips 21, inwards, pressing an ofiset portion 26 of eachstrip 21, against the associated projection 11 which is disposed betweenthe associated offset portion 26 and the strap 16. Observation of Fig. 1will disclose that the offset portion 26 is substantially vertical whenthe book and plates 6 have been moved to closed position; with theresult that the outer surface of each projection 11, engages the offsetportion 26 of the associated strip 21. It should be observed however,that the outermost edge 27 of each projection 11, is spaced at somedistance from the axis of hinging movement of the associated plate 6;with the result that as this plate 6 hinges outward about its loweredge, the edge 27 of the projection 11, frictionally engages the offsetportion 26 of the associated strip 21, sliding downwards thereagainstuntil engaged by a stop 28 which is provided by bending the extremelower end. of the strip sharply inwards, as best shown upon Figs. 2 and3. The length of the offset portion 26, should be such that when thestop 28 is engaged, the associated plate 6 is disposed horizontally withthe book 8 fully open.

The manner of operation of my improved book-holder, is substantially asfollows:

While the book-holder is supported from above, with av closed book 8disposed between the plates 6, and supported upon the connecting member9, the plates 6 are held in vertical position 1) by the engagement ofthe projections 11, with the inner faces of the oifset portions 26 ofthe strips 21. However, when it be desired to open the book 8 to permitaccess to the contents thereof, this may be accomplished merely bypressing the upper edges of the plates 6 apart in a motion similar tothat inopening the covers of a book. This will cause the upper edges 27of the projections 11, to press outwards againstthe offset portions 26of the strips 21, bending the lower ends 24 thereof, outwards, with aconsequent production of the deflection 25 in the straps 16. Thisopening movement of the plates 6, should be continued until theprojections 11 engage the stops 28, wher upon the book 8 will be infully opened position, permitting ready access to its pages. The plates.6 are held in this open I position, inasmuch as in moving thereto, theprojections 11 have moved past positions of perpendicularity with theoffset portions 26, so that commencement of the moving of the plates 6to closing position, requires some outward movement of each of thestrips 21, producing a greater deflection 25 than that obtaining whenthe plates 6 are in a true horizontal position.

If desired, protection against abrading of the covers 7 of the book 8 bythe inner surfaces of the plates 6, may be reduced to a minimum, byextending the connecting member 9 as at 81, so that the entire innersurfaces of both plates 6, are covered thereby.

Thus it may be readily observed that I have provided a very simple andefliciently operating book support which occupies no floor space, andyet which affords all convenience of access to a relatively largereference book held thereby, which is provided by the conventionalbook-stand.

It is to be understood that the details of the invention as hereindisclosed, are subject to alteration within the spirit or scope of theappended claims.

I claim:

1. A. book supporting device comprising a pair of plates spaced toreceive a book therebetween, means joining the lower edges of saidplates and hingedly connected thereto, a pair of suspending straps, eachconnected to both plates adjacent their respective axes of hingingmovement to permit swinging said plates about said axes while supportedby said straps, and supporting means connected (it-pair of plates spacedpoints of between, means oining the lower edges of;

said plates'and hingedly connected thereto, a pair ofssuspending straps,each connected to both plates adjacent their respective axes of hingingmovement to permit swingingsaid plates aboutsaid axes while supported bysaid straps, and a bail-connected tolboth straps intermediate theirpoints of'attachment to the plates. 1 i

A hook supporting devi comprising a pair of plates spaced'to receive abook therebetween, means joining the lower edges of said. plates andhingedly connected thereto, a pair of suspending straps, each connectedto both plates adjacent their respective axes of hinging movement topermit swinging said plates about said ares while supported by saidstraps, supporting means connected to said straps intermediate theirpoints of attachment to the plates, and releasable means for holdingsaid plates optionally in vertical position or swung outward therefrom.

4. A. book supporting device comprising a pair or plates spaced toreceive a hook therebetween, means joining the lower edges of saidplates and. hingedly connected thereto, a pair of straps, each connectedto both plates adjacent their respective axes of hinging movement topermit swinging said plates about said axes while supported by saidstraps, supporting means connected to said straps intermediate theirpoints of attach- ,ment to the plates, and a rigid strip secured to atleast one of said straps upone'ach side of the supporting means, eachstrip slidably engaging the adjacent plates at a point spaced from itshinge axis,

5. A book supporting device comprising a pair of plates spaced toreceive a book therebetween, means joining the lower edges of saidplates and hingedly connected thereto, a pair of straps, each connectedto both plates adjacent their respective axes of hinging movement topermit swinging said plates about said axes while supported by saidstraps, supporting means connected to said straps intermediate theirpoints of attachment to the plates, and a rigid strip secured to atleast one of said straps upon each side of the supporting means, eachstrip slidably ss engaging the adjacent plate at a point spaced from itshinge axis and being adapted to deflect the associated portion of itsstrap as the plate is pivoted outwards.

6. A boolr supporting device comprising a t receive a book therebetween, means joining the lower edges of said plates and hingedlyconnected thereto, a pair of straps, each connected to both platesadjacent their respective axes of hinging movement to permit swingingsaid plates about said arms while supported by said straps, supportingmeans connected to said straps intermediate their points of attachmentto theplates, and arigid strip secured to at lGEuStfOIlG of said strapsupon each side of the supporting means, one end of each strip cverly ingits strap between said supporting means and the point of attachment ofthe strip to the strap, and the other end friction'ally engaging theassociated plate at a point spaced frcm its hinge axis,

7; A'bo'ok supporting device comprising a pair of plates spaced toreceive a heel: therebetween, means joining the lower edges of saidplates and hingedly connected thereto, a pair ofstraps, each connectedto both plates adjacent their respective axes of hinging movement topermit swinging said plates about said axes while supported by saidstraps, supporting means connected to said straps intermediate theirpoints of attach mentto the plates, a rigid strip secured to at leastone of said straps upon each side of the supporting means, one end ofeach strip over-' lying its strap between said supporting means and the:point of attachment of the strip to the strap, and the other endfrictionally engaging the associated plate at a point spaced from itshinge axis, and means limiting the outward movement of said plates.

I 8. A hook supportin device COTH ISTIIg a pair of plates spaced toreceive a hold: therebetween, means oining the lower'edges of saidplate'sand hingedly connected thereto, a pair of straps, each connectedto both plates adjacent their respective axes of hinn D movement topermit swinging said plates about said axes while supported by saidstraps, supporting means "connected to said straps intermediate theirpoints 'of'attachment to the plates, a projection extending from eachend of each plate, and a rigid strip :secured to each strap upon eachside of said supporting means, one end of each strip overlying the strapbetween said suportin'g means I of'the strip to the strap, the other endfrictionally engaging the associated proj'ec tion at apoint spaced fromthe hinge axis of its plate.

.9; A book supporting device comprising a pair of plates spaced toreceive a book therebetween, means oining the lower edges of said platesand hingedly connected there to, a pair of straps, each connected toboth plates adjacent their respective axes of hinging movement to permitswinging said plates about said axes while supported by said straps,supporting means connected to said straps intermediate their points ofattachment to theplates, a projection extending from each end of eachplate, and a rigid strip secured to each strap upon each side of saidsupporting means, one end of each strip overlying the strapbetween saidsupportand the point of attachment TTO ing means and the point ofattachment of the strip to the strap, and the other end frictionallyengaging the associated projection at a point spaced from the hinge axisof its plate, said other end also having an offset portion thereon forthe reception of said projection between said offset portion and theassociated strip when the plate is disposed vertically.

10. A book supporting device comprising a pair of plates spaced toreceive a book therebetween, means joining the lower edges of saidplates and hingedly connected thereto, a pair of straps, each connectedto both plates adjacent their respective axes of hinging movement topermit swinging said plates about said axes while supported by said.

straps, supporting means connected to said straps intermediate theirpoints of attachment to the plates, a projection extending from each endof each plate, a rigid strip secured to each strap upon each side ofsaid supporting means, one end of eachstrip overlying the strap betweensaid supporting means and the point of attachment of the strip to thestrap, and the other end frictionally engaging the associated projectionat a point spaced from the hinge axis of its plate, said other en-dalso'hav ing an oifset portion thereon for the reception of said projectionbetween said ollset portion and the associated strip when the plate isdisposed vertically, and said offset portion also forming a stop on saidother end adapted to engage the associated projection and limit openingmovement of the associated plate.

11. A book supporting device comprising a pair of plates spaced toreceive a book therebetween, means joining the lower edges of saidplates and hingedly connected thereto, a pair of straps, each connectedto both plates adjacent their respective axes of hingin movement topermit swinging said plates about said axes while supported by saidstraps, a bail connected to both straps intermediate their points ofattachment to the plates, and a rigid strip secured to at least one ofsaid straps upon each side of said bail, one

" end of each. strip overlying the strap between said bail and the pointof attachment of the strip to the strap, and the other end frictionallyengaging the associated plate at a point spaced from its hinge axis.

12. A book supporting device comprising means for suspending a book fromabove with its covers extending substantially vertically from its back,said suspending means being adjustable to permit opening said covers tosubstantially horizontal position against tension imposed upon saidsuspending means by the weight of the book, and means for increasingsaid tension as said covers move through a predetermined are from thevertical and for decreasing said tension upon continued movement of-saidcovers beyond said are and toward the horizontal.

13. A book supporting device comprlslng a pair of plates spaced toreceive a book therebetween and hingedly' joined adjacent their loweredges, means connected to said plates above their lower edges forsupporting the plates and a book retained therebetween, and suspensorymeans providing additional support for each of said plates

